Plan a Spring Break Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Looking to plan a spring break vacation for you and your family? Look no further than Anna Maria Island! If you’re considering a Florida getaway, you might be looking to avoid the big tourist crowds in cities like Panama City Beach or Orlando. Anna Maria Island is still a hidden gem, so you will mainly be surrounded by locals. The island itself is only seven miles long, but it has a little something for everyone, from the stunning white sand beaches to the incredible seafood, unique shopping opportunities, and breathtaking nature and wildlife. If you’re looking for something more, you can easily reach the mainland and explore Sarasota as well.

Planning a vacation with your family can be overwhelming, but that’s why we’ve designed this guide to planning a spring break on AMI. Read on to discover the best activities, events, family-friendly restaurants, and Anna Maria accommodations.

What to Do

Activities

Your Florida vacation just wouldn’t be complete without spending some time on the beach! There are several different spots for you to choose from, so you can decide if you want a popular beach or something a bit more secluded. Manatee Public Beach is popular with families and features a playground and grills, so you can spend the entire day in the water with your family. Anna Maria Public Beach is also a good option if you’re looking for something a bit more centrally located. Coquina Beach tends to be a bit calmer, and if you’re really looking for something secluded, head to Bean Point Beach.

Looking to get some shopping done while you’re in town? Head to Bridge Street or Pine Avenue. Both of these locations are full of local boutiques where you’ll find an incredible souvenir to bring home with you. You can also watch fishermen casting their lines from the pier and grab a bite from a local bakery.

Looking to let out your competitive side? Visit The Fish Hole Miniature Golf! You and your family will be able to play a great game of golf while you keep cool under the misters and watch the koi fish in the 30,000-gallon pond. If you have a nature lover in your group, they will adore sites like the Leffis Key Preserve, Robinson Preserve, and Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

For the history buff, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society is a wonder. You’ll be able to explore the local history museum as well as the famous jail! You can also check out DeSoto National Memorial Park to learn even more about the history of the area.

Events

Anna Maria Island holds tons of fun events year-round, but springtime especially brings the area to life. Several farmers’ markets pop up throughout the area in the spring, including the Bridge Street Market and the Coquina Beach Market. Both events run each Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and they’re pretty close together, so you can experience them both on the same day!

Every third Thursday in March, make your way to Old Main Street to experience Main Street Live. From 5 to 10 p.m., your family can enjoy vibrant live music from some of the most talented artists of Anna Maria Island. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the unique arts and crafts as well as local food from nearby restaurants. This is the perfect way to enjoy an evening with the ones you love most.

If you’re interested in art, you’ll love the Downtown Venice Art Classic! It’s a whole weekend full of exhibits featuring works for more than 200 of the top artists in the nation. Whether you’re interested in paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and anything in between, you’ll find it here. Best of all, admission is free!

To get outside and enjoy the camaraderie of Anna Maria Island, you can’t miss the Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival. There’s a little bit of everything here, like vendors offering collectibles, jewelry, and more, a Kid Zone that your little ones will love, and even a Memorial Car Show! Of course, you’ll get to walk around and taste the best food of the area while listening to lively music to keep you entertained all afternoon long.

Where to Eat

There are several delicious restaurants in Anna Maria Island, so your whole group will find a new favorite meal! Rod and Reel Pier is a staple of the Anna Maria community, serving up traditional fare and local favorites since 1947. Stopping for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy an unmatched view of the Gulf of Mexico while you dine. Start the morning with steak and eggs or some homemade buttermilk pancakes, or stop in for lunch to grab a grouper sandwich or pure hot dog. Some popular dinner options include the seafood combo, sea scallop dinner, or Mexican grouper. After you eat, head to the pier to watch the sunset or cast your own line.

The Sandbar is another great family-friendly option, featuring environmentally conscious meals that taste just as good as they look! The Sandbar is committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources by purchasing from local vendors that keep the environment in mind. Popular dishes at The Sandbar include the vegan burger, Bali chicken sandwich, grilled octopus, and seafood and grits.

If you want to grab a quick bite to eat and find a cool souvenir at the same time, visit Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe. The restaurant is rooted in Old Florida tradition and serves up some of the most delicious pastries on the island. Stop in for breakfast for an egg and cheddar sandwich or an order of French toast, or stop in for lunch to grab a BLT or smoothie. There are also plenty of bakery selections throughout the day, and you can eat while you browse the incredible selection of home decor, jewelry, and souvenirs.

If you want a sweet treat in the morning, you have to stop by The Donut Experiment. Every donut is made fresh from scratch, and you can fully customize it to your liking. Choose from classic toppings like chocolate icing and rainbow sprinkles, or go for a more exotic variety like maple or caramel icing with toppings such as bacon, graham crackers, or M&M’s! You can also get a hot coffee to wash everything down.

Where to Stay

Between all the fun and excitement of the island, you need a place to relax! Anna Maria Beach Resort is proud to offer some of the best hotels in Anna Maria Island. We offer affordable accommodations with luxurious amenities, giving you the best of both worlds. Our lodging options are perfect for families, as you’ll always have plenty of room to spread out as well as communal spaces to enjoy together. 

Anna Maria Beach Resort rooms are near some of the best attractions in the area, so you and your family are never far from your next great adventure. At any point during booking or during your stay, our staff is always available to you to answer any questions or concerns.